Identity In a Fallen World

2026 DEFENDERS CONFERENCE

April 10-11 | Church of the Resurrection | Wheaton, Illinois

When you meet someone new, how do you describe yourself? Do you think first of your political affiliation, race, gender, denomination, or something else?

In America today, questions of identity are heated and relevant:

  • The “culture wars” over race, gender, and sex are found in elementary schools.
  • Christians passionately participate in tribalistic, partisan politics dividing neighbors against each other.
  • Followers of Jesus struggle to identify as Christian when they encounter pastors who harm their flocks for money, power, or pleasure.

What makes the Christian story appealing in a context where it is hard to understand the nature of our very selves? 

Join us for the Defenders Conference 2026 as Dr. J and his friends give guidance to issues of identity, and strive to answer the question “Who are you in light of Jesus?”

PLENARY SPEAKERS

Matthew Bates
George Yancey
Mary Jo Sharp
Kurt Jaros

SCHEDULE

Friday, April 10

5:00pm
Registration Opens 

6:00 – 7:00

Dinner Break
7:00pm
Plenary I | Mary Jo Sharp
8:00pm
Breakout I

 

Saturday, April 11

9:00am
Morning Prayer
9:30am
Plenary II | George Yancey

10:30am
Coffee Break
11:00am
Breakout II
11:45pm
Lunch break
1:15pm
Plenary III | Kurt Jaros
2:15pm
Breakout III
3:00pm
Coffee Break
3:15pm
Plenary IV | Matthew Bates
4:30pm
Panel
5:30pm
Closing Announcements

Pricing

Student

$40

(Through February 28th)

Early-Bird Price

$75

(Through February 28th)

After March 1st

$100 

($55 for students)

Volunteers are needed, and attend for free! Email sophia@defendersmedia.com to learn more. 

Interested in sponsoring this event?